Controls Apprentice Jobs in Waco, TX (NOW HIRING)

Facilities Technician

Shift Details:

8 Hour Rotation Shift - The 3 different shifts you will rotate are Midnights 11pm - 7:30am, Afternoons 3pm - 11:30pm, and Days 7am - 3:30pm. (1 week midnights, 1 week afternoons, 3 weeks on days)

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Safety & Compliance (Operations-Focused)

• Operate all assigned utility systems in accordance with site safety rules and procedures including LOTO, confined space, hot work, line-breaking, PPE, and chemical handling.

• Support compliance programs applicable to utility operations (e.g., mechanical integrity, inspection/testing documentation, permits, audits), including participation in incident investigations and corrective actions.

• Follow site emergency response procedures and escalate abnormal conditions immediately (including refrigeration alarms or suspected NH leaks).

NH Refrigeration & Refrigeration Compressors

• Monitor and operate NH refrigeration equipment (compressors, vessels, condensers/evaporators, pumps, valves, and controls).

• Perform routine system checks/rounds, trend key operating parameters, and identify early signs of failure (oil issues, vibration, valve/actuator issues, control deviations, abnormal pressures/temps).

• Support planned shutdown/startup activities and coordinate repairs with Maintenance and approved contractors.

Boiler / Steam System (150 PSI Natural Gas)

• Operate and monitor boilers and steam distribution/condensate return systems to meet plant demand safely and efficiently.

• Perform or support boiler water checks, blowdown activities, and water treatment program tasks per site standards.

• Troubleshoot steam pressure/quality issues and coordinate corrective work on burners, feedwater, controls, traps, and related components.

Compressed Air & Plant Pneumatics

• Operate and monitor air compressors, dryers, filters, receivers, and distribution systems to maintain required pressure and air quality.

• Identify and respond to air system issues affecting production (pressure drop, excessive moisture, unusual compressor cycling, leaks).

HVAC / AHUs / Building Utility Systems

• Monitor AHUs, make-up air systems, ventilation, exhaust, and other building support utilities impacting environment and process reliability.

• Perform basic troubleshooting and coordinate repairs related to motors, belts, bearings, dampers, sensors, and controls.

Fire Protection & Security Systems Support

• Conduct routine checks and coordinate service/impairments for fire protection systems (fire pumps, valves, panels, inspections/testing support).

• Support operational continuity for site security systems (access control, alarms, cameras) by coordinating with vendors/IT/site security as required.

• Maintain documentation for inspections, impairments, and corrective actions.

Preventive Maintenance, Work Management, and Contractor Coordination

• Execute assigned PMs, operator care tasks, and basic corrective repairs; generate work orders for follow-up maintenance.

• Coordinate contractor activity in utility areas (permits, safety requirements, scope clarity, verification of completion).

• Maintain accurate shift logs, readings, and handoff notes; document work in CMMS.

Reliability & Continuous Improvement

• Track/communicate leading indicators (abnormal readings, repeat alarms, vibration/noise changes, leaks, degraded performance).

• Participate in root cause analysis and improvement actions to reduce downtime, energy waste, and recurring failures.

DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY

• Take immediate actions to stabilize utilities and protect personnel, product, and equipment during upsets.

• Escalate conditions requiring shutdown, isolation, or emergency response per site procedures.

• Recommend repairs, operating changes, PM improvements, and spare parts based on observed conditions and trends.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Effectiveness Competencies

• Safety-first mindset and operational discipline

• Troubleshooting / problem solving

• Clear communication and shift handoff quality

• Planning & prioritization during outages/upsets

• Team collaboration with Ops, Maintenance, and Contractors

Functional Competencies

• Working knowledge of industrial utility operations: NH refrigeration, steam/boilers (150 PSI), compressed air, HVAC/AHUs, auxiliary systems

• Ability to interpret logs/trends; basic understanding of controls and instrumentation

• Ability to read equipment documentation and (preferred) P&IDs / schematics

• Competence in CMMS usage, documentation, and compliance recordkeeping

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• High school diploma/GED required

• Technical school, apprenticeship, or relevant military/industrial training preferred

LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS

• NH refrigeration credentialing (preferred; e.g., RETA-style certifications if you use them)

• Boiler operator credentials

EXPERIENCE

• 3+ years industrial utilities or plant operations experience preferred

• Hands-on exposure to at least two of the following strongly preferred: NH refrigeration, boilers/steam, compressed air, industrial HVAC/AHUs

• Experience coordinating contractors and working in regulated manufacturing environments

OPERATING ENVIRONMENT AND GUIDANCE

• Industrial manufacturing environment; shift work may include nights/weekends/holidays